Michigan Laws, Rules, and Board Regulations
The regulatory frame
Michigan licenses cosmetologists, manicurists, estheticians, electrologists, natural hair culturists, and salons through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the Board of Cosmetology under the Public Health Code. A manicurist license covers manicuring, pedicuring, and artificial nails within the scope defined by law and board rules. Work only within your license, and work only in a licensed facility or as the rules allow.
Compliance habits
Display your license as required, keep the salon license current, and follow sanitation, equipment, and record rules. Renew on time and complete any required continuing education. Do not diagnose or prescribe, do not use prohibited products, and do not let unlicensed persons perform licensed services. Cooperate with inspections. Advertising must be truthful.
Traps
Questions test scope of practice-a manicurist is not an esthetician or a physician. They also test whether a salon can operate without a license or whether an independent contractor still needs a license. Assume yes. Do not rely on another state's rules.
Rule of thumb: if the service or product is outside your license or the board rules, do not do it.
Worked example: a client asks for a chemical peel during a pedicure. That is outside manicuring scope; decline and refer.